"LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 23,000 vehicles were stolen in Alberta. That's 63 cars, trucks and SUVs taken every day. Police across the province have also reported a surge in vehicle-related break-ins."

"Theft to commit further crimesFar too often, auto theft is committed by people who want to undertake further crimes...:robberies, break-and-enters, drug trafficking and sometimes joyriding.Auto theft therefore becomes a threat to public safety. When someone steals a car, quite often they have a complete disregard for the rules of the road...They might run red lights, drive at life-threatening speeds and, in some instances, they're under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Having a car stolen is not only a major inconvenience for you, it also puts others at risk on the road."

"Beak-ins for Identity TheftCriminals also target cars for the purpose of committing identity theft. They break in - or open an unlocked door - to take the purse left on the passenger seat, or registration documents from your glovebox."